1
as in thrill
a pleasurably intense stimulation of the feelings
the lavish spectacle results in one exhilaration after another
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in ecstasy
a state of overwhelming usually pleasurable emotion
the exhilaration of victory that spectators get to witness at the Olympic Games
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exhilaration
But Woo stages his action sequences with the grace and fluidity of a great Vincente Minnelli set piece, making the gunfights less acts of violence than of pure aesthetic exhilaration and beauty.
—
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2026
With Spoelstra appreciative of the emotional drain of the experience, as well as the eventual exhilaration.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
But there is also a pure exhilaration in standing on that last precipice, face-to-face with the question that exists beyond all other questions—which is to say, God.
—Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
In the popular overture, elicitation of tumult concludes, with startling exhilaration, in the kind of grand Beethovenian triumph that never fails to excite.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhilaration
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2026
With Spoelstra appreciative of the emotional drain of the experience, as well as the eventual exhilaration.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
But there is also a pure exhilaration in standing on that last precipice, face-to-face with the question that exists beyond all other questions—which is to say, God.
—Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
In the popular overture, elicitation of tumult concludes, with startling exhilaration, in the kind of grand Beethovenian triumph that never fails to excite.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhilaration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilaration
Noun
-
Kay isn’t some kind of unhinged chaos agent or emotional thrill-seeker (well, maybe just a little), but rather an adventurous artist eager to dig deep beneath the surface.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Today, teens are no different from any other generation, still searching for freedom and the thrill of playing chicken with authority.—
Louis Martinez,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Just a year ago, the Championship’s propensity for drama on the final day of the season brought stoppage-time ecstasy for Leeds United and heartache for Burnley.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
The girl told police that Thomas gave her ecstasy pills.—
Sofia Saric,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Clegg left the team two weeks ago after struggling with his kicks throughout the spring.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
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Defender Reid Roberts made a spectacular save with a bicycle kick on a shot by Dániel Sallói to help the San Jose Earthquakes earn a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Saturday and remain unbeaten on the road.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
James saw him one day and was drawn to help kids in similar situations realize their joy.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
As my sunken heart leapt up, my limbs warmed with joy and relief.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Throughout the visual, the three-time Grammy winner can be seen traipsing through the palace's opulent halls in a coquettish ensemble, capturing the elation of newfound romance.—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
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Restaurant owners express elation, hoping the prestigious nod will elevate their cultural heritage and inspire others to seek out authentic cuisines.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
McDonald didn’t bother hiding his happiness as KU’s defense stopped a pivotal fourth down late in the second quarter.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
1 May 2026
-
It’s brought a lot of joy, happiness and success to my life.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Of course, Brunson’s 3-pointer ripped through the net to send MSG into pure euphoria entering the first halftime break of its second playoff series.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
5 May 2026
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The Numbers Game Throughout the fair, there was little nostalgia for the heady production figures of the post-pandemic euphoria.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Gaga and Doechii, a match made in fashion heaven, and two style students who clearly did their homework for this assignment.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Bourbon and pecan pie are a match made in heaven, but this pie takes that combination to a whole new level.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exhilaration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilaration. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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